Turkey and Armenia announced in a joint statement Monday the launch of talks aimed at establishing diplomatic ties. The announcement is the first concrete step toward normalizing relations since the two countries announced that they would resume ties in April this year.

The negotiations, which are being mediated by Switzerland, mark a thaw in relations between the neighbors after a century of animosity. Turkey and Armenia have never had diplomatic ties; in 1993, Turkey closed the border with Armenia in support of Azerbaijan, which was fighting Armenia over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh at the time.

Analysts say Turkey's improved relations with Armenia will help consolidate its position as a regional power.

According to Public Radio of Armenia, Turkey and Armenia will engage in consultations on two protocols – promoting diplomatic relations and developing bilateral ties. The talks are expected to last six weeks, after which both countries will submit the protocols to their respective parliaments to be ratified.